Love at First Clutch : A Gay Tentacle Romance Read online

  “Read, sleep. Maybe watch a little television.”

  “You don’t go anywhere? Like to a museum, movies, or even a bar?”

  “Not really. Occasionally a museum, but only if there’s an exhibit I’d like to see. Going to the movies or a bar isn’t fun alone, and well, I do rarely do bars anyway because I’m socially awkward.”

  “Well, being awkward shouldn’t stop you. You’re too handsome of a man, Gideon.” Kiernan laughed and sipped from his soda. He loved the consistency of this human drink and it tasted good. Almost as good as water, but with less nutritional value.

  “I’ve never been much of a social butterfly. Even in college, I was the one who found the couch at the party to watch everyone have fun.”

  “Why even go then?”

  “My college buddies dragged me.” Gideon complained. “I begged them to let me stay home, but it wasn’t flying with them. Even my parents think I’m a dud.”

  “Wow, that’s serious.” Kiernan eyed his new friend and patted his leg. “We’re going to help each other out though. I’d love to go the museum and out for a meal. How about amusement parks? I’ve always wanted to ride a rollercoaster.”

  “Oh, I love them, but again, I’ve never had anyone to go with me since I graduated. During med school I couldn’t do all that much. Occasionally I’d go camping or to a party with my friends, but other than that, nada.”

  “Do you keep in touch?” Kiernan reached into the popcorn bowl.”

  “From time to time. A lot of them moved or got married. We’ve got a chat group on social media to stay connected.”

  “I see. And, what about dating prospects? A gorgeous young man like yourself should have a partner, right?”

  Gideon sighed aloud and toyed with his fingers. “I probably should, but I never have time. I don’t trust the dating sites, I don’t club hop, so.” He shrugged.

  “There are other ways of finding a mate, Gideon. You just haven’t tried them.”

  “I know. Being a doctor, I’ve got a weird schedule. Not only that, I’m sort of clingy.”

  “Really? How do you know?”

  “The one time I dated a guy, he hated that I wanted to spend every waking moment with him.”

  “And that was…” Kiernan started to feel pity for Gideon. If he wanted to be with someone long term, he’d snap the doctor up in a heartbeat.

  “High school.”

  “Gideon that was years ago. What did you know about emotional attachment at sixteen or seventeen?”

  “You’re right, not much, but after that, I just sort of gave up. I thought once I got my career off the ground I could try again, but… I’m shy, and… dang I sound like a real winner, don’t I?” Gideon put the popcorn bowl on the table.

  “You may be awkward, but you’ve got a lot going for you. Since my lovely host was a master of flirtation, I could help. I’ve got a job to do as well, but that’s not until next week.”

  “Doing what?”

  “Modeling. Kiernan was asked to walk in Devrin Townes LA Fall Fashion show.”

  “Whoa, really? I love Devrin’s clothes. They’re a little expensive, but if you ever want to impress someone, let them see his label.”

  “Really? I suppose I should dig into his brain some more about this designer. Research tells me of his women’s line, not really the men’s.”

  “Oh, he easily does both. His style is classic, like Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein, but it’s still hip.”

  “I suppose. Kiernan could’ve done so much more with his life than try on clothes and get his picture taken.”

  “Maybe that’s what he aspired to do.” Gideon rose his hands. “Some people want more simple lives.”

  “While that’s true, he had a lot more to offer. Before I leave, I’ll retire him somewhere.” Kiernan wasn’t sure how. Unless he had him drown or something, which could work once he shed the human’s skin.

  “I hope you’ll rethink that. If you want to make him something bigger, stay on Earth and do that for him. It won’t bring him back or vindicate his death, but you’d be doing it in his honor.”

  “While it sounds tempting, I won’t worry about that now. Anyway, we’ve got plans, so why don’t we go rest, then wake up to discuss them more?”

  “Sounds great. I’ll show you where the spare bedroom is.”

  Kiernan really wanted to sleep with Gideon, but he wouldn’t push. Obviously, the man wasn’t interested right now, so he’d save his desire to sex him for another time.

  Perhaps there was something to this love and lust thing that Kiernan didn’t know about. If he seduced Gideon, maybe he’d get what he wanted from the human and then some.

  Chapter Four

  Gideon hadn’t slept like that in over a week. Unlike other nights when he tossed and turned, thinking of his patients, he didn’t stir for the entire night.

  Hearing the door creak, Gideon rubbed his eyes and slid upwards. Thankfully, his shades were drawn to block out the sun.

  “Rise and shine my gorgeous medical prince.”

  When Kiernan appeared, he had a tray with breakfast consisting of freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee, fruit, and muffins. Other than the coffee, Gideon didn’t recall having any of these items in his fridge. With such a limited schedule, his keeper, Delia kept everything stocked because without her Gideon would never eat.

  “No, I went out and got the items. Most of what she purchased was microwavable foods which aren’t good for you.”

  “It’s true, but it works in a pinch.”

  Kiernan sat at the edge of the bed. “Yes, but you’ve got time to eat today. And besides, I wanted to taste some of your planet’s delicacies. The sushi and popcorn were good, but these banana nut muffins are to die for.” He cut a piece of one of the muffins and popped it in his mouth.

  Gideon sipped his coffee. He closed his eyes and sighed contentedly, enjoying the mild heat going down his throat. It was soothing to all his senses, but one in particular wasn’t calming down.

  Just waking up, Gideon’s morning wood along with Kiernan’s scent was making it hard for him to focus. Despite his arousal, he had to get any kind of attraction for Kiernan out of his head. The last thing he wished to do was get emotionally attached when Kiernan wasn’t changing his mind on leaving.

  “You’re right, I’m not, but nothing wrong with getting into me.” Kiernan winked.

  “Cut that out. Now, where are we going again?” Gideon took another drink. “How did you… never mind.”

  “Ah, Doctor, you forgot already? I knew exactly what flavor coffee you liked, and that banana nut bread is your favorite. Also, oranges, strawberries, and avocados are your preferred fruits.”

  “It’s all true. Is there anything you didn’t memorize?”

  “No. You’re an open book. I won’t go over some of your other preferences. Perhaps we can explore those later.”

  Gideon quickly put his cup down to stop from dropping it in his lap. “Ahem, right. So, we’re going to the movies and out to lunch?”

  Kiernan smiled smugly. “I want to go to the museum and the beach if you’re up for it.”

  “All in one day?”

  “We only have today and tomorrow, remember? And besides, I’d think you’d want to do more seeing as you must return to work on Monday.”

  “You’d be right, but the museum and the beach? Why not tomorrow for any of that?”

  “No because I want to go to the amusement park. I figured to jam more things into today since the park itself would be tiring.”

  “Okay, you have a point.”

  “Oh, and also, if we could fit some shopping in that would be great. Although I’m modeling, I have to look good when I go certain places. What I have is fine for now, but beyond that, I’ve got to buy nicer things. Kiernan didn’t seem to have a lot of style outside of the garments he received as incentives.”

  “And how do you know that?” Gideon lifted his hazelnut blend to his lips.

  “I visited his apa
rtment before I left.”

  “Where was he from?”

  “Born in Austria, but he lived near Paris. To be a top model, he didn’t put much into his abode. Quite the messy place with very minimal furniture. You’d think with the amount of money he made, he would’ve had more of a posh apartment, but no. He lived in a pig sty.”

  Gideon snickered and put down his mug. “Well, not everybody can be a neat freak. And maybe he just didn’t see the value in having expensive digs.”

  “You’re making too many excuses for this human, Doctor. To be such a gorgeous man, his home should’ve complimented his beauty.”

  “Wow, you’re a tough cookie. Good thing you’re not looking for a mate while you’re here because you’d find something wrong with him or her.”

  “Him. I prefer males like you do, my dear Gideon.”

  “It’s not a preference, Kiernan. I was born this way.”

  “Ah yes. I must remember that humans must solidify their sexual or gender standing. We Necetune don’t have to do that, so forgive me?”

  “Sure. I know things were different on your planet.” Gideon still couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth.

  There is an alien in my house and I’m talking to him.

  Even if he wanted to say something, no sane person would ever take him seriously.

  “Gideon, really. We should be past that point.” Kiernan snatched a piece of avocado off the tray.

  “It’s only been a night. This is all so new to me.”

  “While that’s true, you must get used to me being human. We can’t talk about my alien self, outside of the house, remember?”

  “You’re right, I’m just… wow. I’m fascinated. Oh, can we talk about my patient now?” Gideon couldn’t wait to pick Kiernan’s magnificent brain.

  “No. As much as I admire the compliment on my brilliant mind, we’ll save that for tomorrow evening after we return. We’re going to have fun, which means we’ll leave hospital work at the hospital. It’s your day off, Gideon. Take advantage.” Kiernan patted Gideon’s shoulder.

  “Okay. I suppose I won’t be too tired out. Can I have more coffee first?”

  “Although I’m not a fan of the concoction, I won’t stop you.” Kiernan plucked a strawberry from the plate, tossed it into his mouth, then hopped up from the bed.

  “Thanks?” Gideon snorted, finding it amusing that he was asking Kiernan for permission. “Who isn’t a fan of coffee?” He finished the last bit and put his mug back on the table.

  Since Kiernan expressed an interest in nature, Gideon figured to go to the nature museum. Although it was on the other side of Los Angeles, Gideon thought the trip would be worth it.

  The lines weren’t long. They could spend the entire day going through exhibits, then have lunch. Perhaps he could sneak in a few questions about his patient as well, because he didn’t think they’d get around to it tomorrow.

  “Wow. This is incredible.” Kiernan continued snapping pictures of the exhibit on rare bugs in Los Angeles. “I had no idea there were so many different kinds of insects on Earth.”

  “Oh yeah there’s plenty.” Gideon called over his shoulder, reading about different types of beetles on the screen ahead of him. “Ugly things.”

  “Ugly but fascinating.” Kiernan said, coming behind him. “I must say, you humans are good at showcasing things and keeping records.” Kiernan kept his voice low. Admittedly, there was no one within earshot, but voices carried in this place.

  “For sure. There are plenty others to explore too. One thing the world isn’t lacking is museums.” Gideon crossed his arms, still eyeing the mini movie.

  “I wish I had a chance to go to all of them.”

  “You would if you’d stay.” Gideon turned his attention to Kiernan.

  Kiernan met his gaze and smiled. “It’s a thought, but there are things to take care of back home.”

  Gideon shrugged. “Well, think about it, that’s all I’m saying.”

  “I really wish I could. Maybe I’ll return once I check on my people.” Kiernan spun on his heel, going in the other direction. “Wow. Doctor, you must come look at this.”

  Gideon turned and strolled to where Kiernan stood. He pointed at the screen, showing different kinds of ladybugs and bees.

  “Eww.” Gideon rubbed his biceps, feeling itchy looking at the critters. Being a doctor, he’d seen plenty of gross things, but nothing as icky as insects.

  “You have to admit how great this is. The varieties of bugs are limited where I come from.”

  “I’d assume so since it’s underwater.”

  “No, no, not necessarily. We do have some that can live. We use some for delicacies and others live amongst us like the other thousands of species. Perhaps I’ll show you pictures of some when we return to your home.”

  “That would be great. Especially since you say humans can’t live there.” Gideon whispered to Kiernan.

  “Yes. They wouldn’t last more than a few minutes submerged in so much water.”

  “Even with equipment?”

  “Yes. Necetune who have taken human mates have tried in the past, but they’ve had to return them to land.”

  “Well, if they trust the person enough, why not have the scientists there make something for a human to survive?”

  “Again, my people don’t trust yours. Even those with human mates see the need to keep you separate. Also, many of my residents feel as our ancestors did. Only create for the Necetune and not for others.”

  “So be selfish.”

  “Yes, but it’s for our own good and yours. Perhaps that will change long after you and I are gone, but for now, it is what it is. Let’s continue out to the next room. I’m dying to see what’s in there.”

  “Ah just dinosaurs.”

  “Ooh. I must see that.” Kiernan took Gideon’s hand, leading him away from the bugs and onto the prehistoric creatures. The museum had replicas of what the monsters would’ve looked like.

  Although Gideon loved science, dinosaurs had never interested him. He was always more fascinated with the wonders of the human body, just one more reason why he decided to be a doctor.

  * * * *

  Kiernan found the museum intriguing.

  He’d taken many pictures to show the scientists back home the progress humans had made, perhaps to give them ideas. The Necetune were smart, but Kiernan found nothing wrong with looking at other species developments to help future generations.

  Admittedly, perusing the museum had put some things on Kiernan’s mind. He’d love to travel to every museum on Earth just to see what they had to offer. If he went back home, he’d never accomplish that because the older he got, the less he’d be able to travel. Still, he was aware of his responsibilities being bigger than personal gain. There were ways to shift those, but Kiernan had too much pride to make someone ruler when he could do it himself.

  Once Kiernan and Gideon finished walking around, they visited the museum cafeteria to grab lunch. They had a variety of options, but Kiernan wished to have something light. Necetune ate many things. However, being underwater creatures, some weren’t as desirable as others.

  To talk freely, Kiernan suggested going outside to eat. Besides, he’d take pleasure in perusing the sights around the museum as well as the ocean.

  “Mhmm. This is good.” Kiernan forked lettuce and tomatoes into his mouth, enjoying the flavors on what the humans called a salad. “It’s healthy and delicious. Why don’t you eat more of these?”

  “I do, but I’m not a tomato fan.”

  Kiernan shook his head. “That’s the best part. Salads have plenty of nutritional value. You can put so many different fruits and vegetables in it too.”

  Gideon snorted. “You’d make a perfect spokesperson for healthy diets.” He popped a French fry into his mouth. “Contrary to what you might believe about doctors, not all of us are health nuts.”

  “Ah, but you should be. An apple a day, keeps the doctor away?”

 
; “That’s such an outdated saying, because it truly doesn’t. Even healthy people have to get check-ups.”

  “But exercise and healthy eating leads to better living.”

  “It’s true, but if good nutrition was the solution to keep people from getting sick, we’d be out of business. And speaking of…”

  Kiernan sighed aloud and put his fork down. “Alright, go on. Tell me about your patient. Obviously, this is bogging down your mind.”

  Gideon grinned and wiped his hands on a napkin. “I’m sorry, it’s been troubling me for weeks. She’s very weak and unable to keep food down. We’ve checked for everything.”

  “Are there any other symptoms?”

  “Nausea, headaches. She complains about shortness of breath too. It’s a multitude of things where no one can figure out what’s wrong with her. A specialist will run more tests, but again, I’m not sure what those will prove. I’ve ordered every test known to man.”

  Kiernan scanned Gideon’s mind for more clues. The symptoms he’d stated sounded like it could’ve been a stomach ailment, but he wasn’t sure. “And how long has she been sick?”

  “Almost two months. I feel bad for her because they’re elderly and can’t afford to keep her in the hospital.”

  Kiernan cocked an eyebrow. “Your facilities charge for medical service?”

  “Here they do. In Europe, where um, you come from, they have a more socialized system. It’s less expensive.”

  “And why is it like that? With humans as fragile as they are, everyone should have their ailments treated for free.”

  “I totally agree. If I didn’t need money, I’d help patients get better without charging them a dime. The system is built on profit and not helping people.”

  “Yes, it seems capitalism is rampant in your world, which is why a human and Necetune partnership wouldn’t work.”

  “You’re probably right, but back to the patient.”

  Kiernan held up his hand. “I’ll have to think on that, because even my alien brain needs to process more information to come up with a concrete answer, but I must ask you, Doctor. And this is only a suggestion. Forgive me if this bothers you, but, have you ever thought of going to another country to practice medicine?”